Anthropogenic impacts on the integrity of the Blesbokspruit catchment : a case study of surface water pollution

Abstract:

Water Quality Management is one of the critical challenges currently facing South Africa.
The triad of water resource management, socio- economic development and
environmental sustainability are key issues that require balance and compromise. The
effects of anthropogenic activities on the Blesbokspruit catchment were examined. Water
samples were collected from nine strategically selected sites along the stream for a period
of ten months in six weekly intervals and analysed for physio-chemical, selected trace
metals and microbial entities. Results revealed that variables of concern were Electrical
Conductivity (EC), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Nitrates, Phosphates, Sulphates and
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Mean levels of these parameters in this order ranged
from 93.0-146.63mS/m; 11.25-39mg/L; 0.16-2.01mg/L; 0.5-0.96mg/L; 118.63-379.5mg/L
and 15.0-34.0mg/L respectively. Levels of E. coli and F. coliforms also ranged from 19.13-
43999.125 cfu/100mL and 20.63-16878.5 cfu/100mL respectively which were of concern.
Levels of analysed trace metals were tolerable except for Fe with a range of 0.04-
0.73mg/L. Generally, the results from this study indicate that the river is contaminated and
therefore not suitable for direct human consumption as well as for irrigation purposes.

Citation:Phaleng, Dipitseng Maropeng (2009) Anthropogenic impacts on the integrity of the Blesbokspruit catchment : a case study of surface water pollution, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3090>

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